Liver Flashcards
EGD
Visual exam of esophagus, stomach, & duodenum.
TIPS procedure
Transjugular intrahepatic potto systemic shunt.
Interventional radiologic technique that reduces portal pressure.
Under conscious sedation, a stent is places percutaneously from right jugular vein into the hepatic vein.
Creates a connection between portal & systemic circulations.
Endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL)
“Banding”
Involves application of small “O” bands around the base of the varices to decrease blood supply to varices.
Cause no discomfort and pt is unaware of band presence.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerosant solution is injected into the bleeding varix or overlying submucosa.
Ballon tube tamponade
Aka Stegstaken-Blakmore tube
May be lifesaving in pts with active variceal bleeding.
3 lumens: gastric aspiration, esophageal balloon, inflated gastric balloon.
Tension is needed to be kept in place, do not leave longer than 48h
Nurses role in paracenthesis
- Explain, answer pt questions
- obtain VS, including weight
- ask pt to void prior to prevent injury to bladder.
- position pt in bed with HOB elevated
- measure drainage, record accurately
- describe collected fluid
- label & send them lab for analysis
- after physician removes cath, apply dressing to site & apply pressure; assess for leakage
- maintain bed rest
- weigh pt after paracentesis; record.
Complication of paracentesis
-Fluid & electrolyte imbalances
….increased BUN, decreased protein, & increased Hct may indicate hypovolemia
Priority problems for pts with cirrhosis.
- Excess fluid volume related to third spacing of abdominal & peripheral fluid
- Potential for hemorrhage due to portal hypertension
- Hepatic encephalopathy due to shunting of portal venous blood &/or increased ammonia levels.
Nutritional needs for pt with ascites
Low sodium diet (1-2g)
No table salt
Vitamin supplements
Low protein, high fat?
Complications of cirrhosis
- portal hypertension
- gastric & esophageal varices
- biliary obstruction
- hepatic encephalopathy
- splenomegaly
- peripheral edema & ascites
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
“ERCP”
Includes visual & radio graphic exam of liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas to identify cause & location of obstruction
Liver transplant complications
-acute graft rejection
Occurs 4-10th day post-op (s/s: tachycardia, fever, RUQ/flank pain, diminished bile drainage, change in bile, jaundice)
-infection
Occurs at any time
-hepatic complications
Bile leakage, abscess formation, hepatic thrombosis
-acute renal failure
Caused by hypotension, antibiotics, acute liver failure, hypothermia.
Ciprofloxacin
Antibiotic Bactericidal Side effects: -N/V -diarrhea -dyspepsia -constipation -flatulence -confusion
Lactulose
Decreases ammonia forming organisms & increase acidity of bowel. side effects: -abdominal cramping -flatulence -increased thirst -abdominal discomfort
Metronidazole
Antibacterial Used in tx of anaerobic infections Side effects: -anorexia -nausea -dry mouth -metallic taste
Vaginal:
- symptomatic vaginitis
- abdominal cramps
Neomycin
Decrease ammonia forming organisms. Typically recommended when pt does not tolerate lactulose.
Norfloxacin
Antibiotic Side effects: -nausea -headache -dizziness
Salt poor albumin
Decreases complications of paracentesis such as:
- electrolyte imbalance
- increases in serum creatinine levels secondary to large shifts of intravascular volume.